Diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration of solid pancreatic lesions guided by endoscopic ultrasound elastography.

Background: Real-time elastography (RTE) may increase the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration guided by endoscopic ultrasound. The aim of this study was to establish the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of this combined methodological approach in a cohort of patients with solid pancreatic masses.

Methods: We reviewed data from 54 patients with solid pancreatic lesions referred to our institution between January 2014 and June 2015.

Comparative Efficacy of Colonoscope Distal Attachment Devices in Increasing Rates of Adenoma Detection: A Network Meta-analysis.

Background & Aims: Several add-on devices have been developed to increase rates of colon adenoma detection (ADR). We assessed their overall and comparative efficacy, and estimated absolute magnitude of benefit through a network meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched the PubMed/Medline and Embase database through March 2017 and identified 25 randomized controlled trials (comprising 16,103 patients) that compared the efficacy of add-on devices (cap; Endocuff; Arc Medical Design Ltd, Leeds, UK, and Endorings; Us Endoscopy, Mentor, OH) with each other or with standard colonoscopy.

Long-term liver stiffness assessment in hepatitis C virus patients undergoing antiviral therapy: Results from a 5-year cohort study.

Background And Aim: Observational studies showed significant liver stiffness regression after sustained virological response, but long-term effects of antiviral therapy are still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of change in stiffness up to 5 years after therapy in hepatitis C patients undergoing antiviral treatment.

Methods: Data of 153 patients were retrieved.

Full-spectrum versus standard colonoscopy for improving polyp detection rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aim: Full-spectrum endoscopy represents a new endoscopic platform allowing a panoramic 330 degree view of the colon, but evidence of its superiority over standard colonoscopy is still lacking. Our study is the first meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of full-spectrum endoscopy with standard colonoscopy.

Methods: Through a systematic literature review until May 2017, we identified eight randomized-controlled trials.

Toxic megacolon in ulcerative rectocolitis. Current trends in clinical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

Toxic megacolon is a clinical condition associated to high risk of colonic perforation, that significantly increases--even triplicates--the megacolon-related mortality when causing diffuse peritonitis. Abdominal and pelvic helical CT scan proved to be a fundamental diagnostic tool, in defining the colic dilatation and perforation. Conservative treatment is initially indicated in the event of toxic megacolon arising at the onset of a severe or toxic colitis.